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Unread 26-11-2013, 16:09
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Re: FIRST Choice 3D Printer Lottery

Quote:
Originally Posted by techhelpbb View Post
Unless you intend to print ABS. The Replicator 2 is only designed and supported to print PLA. The Replicator 2X is only designed and supported to print ABS (even though it can print PLA you might have issues with MakerBot if you do that). The Makergear M2 can print both and it has a heated bed which you really want for ABS. You can always put it inside a cheap clear or translucent inverted storage box to trap the heat and increase the ambient temperature around the printer.

Also the MakerGear uses linear rails with ball bearing blocks as apposed to the bronze bushings used on the Replicators. Either work but the performance of the linear rails is better and achieve lower inertia (also generally decreased need for grease related maintenance). Up! printers also use linear rails and many of the Prusa reprap designs can be upgraded to linear round rod ball bearings.

The MakerBot Replicator 2 does have dual extruders. However I know that MakerGear M2 owners are considering solutions to that issue. I have yet to see the end result implemented.
I knew what I posted was going to spark controversy.
For the record, I own a Makerbot Replicator 2 (not the 2X, which is the dual extruder). The only difference between printing ABS and PLA is having a heated build platform, because ABS tends to warp when cooling. There are ways to get around this, especially with customized rafting.

With my Rep 2 I can and do print in PLA, ABS, Nylon, LAYWOOD, and basically anything 1.75mm I can get my hands on. It all works fine on mine regardless of what the printer was designed for (although sometimes special software configs are required).

Having said that, the Makergear requires full assembly and therefore a LOT more calibration. This all adds up to time, which is a precious resource FIRST teams dont have during the build season.

The problem with Cube is in its custom cartridges -- it ONLY accepts Cubify-sold disposable cartridges and the filamenet is triple or even quadruple the cost of filament you can find in spools online. Otherwise, the Cubify is an decent machine if its build plate weren't so small and its print speed werent so slow.
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